Sunday, January 27, 2008

As a new group, I think Boys Like Girls is off to a great start.Their first album, Boys Like Girls (2006), has quite a few great tracks. The Great Escape may be their most popular; I'm sure any fan of mainstream rock has heard this one on the radio. Some of the album's other tracks have gained popularity among fans who wanted to hear more of what this band has to offer; Heels Over Head and Five Minutes to Midnight caught the attention of this new group's growning fan base.My favorite song by Boys Like Girls, however, is Hero/Heroine; specifically, the Tom Lord-Alge Mix. It's a pure, honest song; just kinda makes you feel good. The lyrics are sweet, and the melody and vocals are catchy and present the mood of the song well. And the "newer" version of the music video makes me smile :)Here are the lyrics and new music video to Hero/Heroine. Keep it up, "Boys"; you've definantly on the right track.

Sorry the video quality isn't great :( Best I could find.

Boys Like Girls - Hero/Heroine Official Music Video

Hero/HeroineBoys Like Girls

It's too late baby, there's no turning aroundI've got my hands in my pocket and my head in a cloudThis is how I doWhen I think about youI never thought that you could break me apartI keep a sinister smile and a hole in my heartYou want to get insideThen you need to get in lineBut not this time

Cause you caught me off guardNow I'm running and screaming

I feel like a hero and you are my heroine

I won't try to philosophizeI'll just take a deep breath and I'll look in your eyesThis is how I feelAnd its so so realI got a closet filled up to the brimWith the ghosts of my past and the skeletonsAnd I don't know whyYou'd even tryBut I won't lie

You caught me off guardNow I'm running and screaming

I feel like a hero and you are my heroineDo you know that your love is the sweetest sin?

And I feel a weakness coming onNever felt so good to be so wrongHad my heart on lockdownAnd then you turned me aroundI'm feeling like a new born childEvery time I get a chance to see you smileIt's not complicatedI was so jaded

And you caught me off guardNow I'm running and screaming

I feel like a hero and you are my heroineDo you know that your love is the sweetest sin?

And I feel a weakness coming onNever felt so good to be so wrongHad my heart all locked downAnd then you turned me aroundI'm feeling like a new born childEvery time I get a chance to see you smileIt's not complicatedI was so jaded...

Saturday, January 26, 2008

I think OneRepublic scored big time with this track, All Fall Down, from their album Dreaming Out Loud (2007).The acoustic opener draws you in, and when the main melody begins, you just get chills; it's simply lovely. I wanna say violin ... but it's not quite right. Maybe a keyboard, set to sound like a violin? The lyrics to this song are fabulous, and the vocals fit the mood of the song so well. Just a really fantastic, beautiful song.While this track is not one of OneRepublic's well-known songs (they're currently enjoying the attention Apologize, which they recorded alongside artist Timbaland, has recieved from fans of both artists), I think this one is a good example of OneRepublic's talents. While they've yet to find a truely unique sound, there's no doubt these guys are on their way.While OneRepublic has not created a music video for this song as of now, I found this video on YouTube which somebody made. It lets you hear the song ... kinda boring, though.So here it is ... All Fall Down by OneRepublic.

OneRepublic - All Fall Down

All Fall DownOneRepublic

Step out the door and it feels like rainThat's the sound, that's the sound, on your window paneTake to the streets but you can't ignoreThat's the sound, that's the sound, you're waiting for

You feel that your will starts crashing downWhenever you're will starts crashing downWhenver your will starts crashing downThat's when you find me

Yeah God love your soul and your aching bonesTake a breath, take a step, maybe down belowEveryone's the sameMy fingers to my toesWe just can't get a rideBut we're on the road

Friday, January 18, 2008

I stumbled across 30 Seconds To Mars on accident, as I often do. I was actually trying to remember who sang an entirely different song (100 Years was the track ... for whatever reason, 30 Seconds To Mars popped into my head as the artist. It's actually by Five for Fighting. Cummon; one hundred, thirty, five? Give me a break. There were waaay too many numbers going on in my head. I was bound to get confused). So anyway, I'd never listened to 30 Seconds To Mars before, but after their name popped into my head the other day, I decided to look at their album A Beautiful Lie (2005) ... see if they were any good.I was actually very impressed. These guys are very good, indeed. Looking first through the album's lyrics (as always) and then sampling the thirty second preview on iTunes (see this? I have a system when it comes to new music), I decided I definantly need to look further into this group. But the song that stands out for me right now is definantly The Kill (Bury Me). Wow! I am still not very familiar with the band, but I think this song would probably be the best representation of their awesome talent ... any Mars fans wanna back me up on that? And if not this song, which is Mars' greatest?Until I've learned more about them, 30 Seconds To Mars has me sold on the track The Kill (Bury Me), as well as the music video. Any Stephen King fans reading this will recognize several scences from The Shining, especially if you've seen the movie. Even if you can't relate the music video to the movie, it's a beautiful video with enough emotion to give me chills and leave me speechless at the end.I can't wait to look further into this group and see what else they've come out with. For now, here's The Kill (Bury Me) by 30 Seconds To Mars.

30 Seconds To Mars - The Kill (Bury Me) Music Video

The Kill (Bury Me)30 Seconds To Mars

What if I wanted to breakLaugh it all off in your faceWhat would you do? (Oh, oh)What if I fell to the floorCouldn't take all this anymoreWhat would you do, do, do?

Come break me downBury me, bury meI am finished with you

What if I wanted to fightBeg for the rest of my lifeWhat would you do?You say you wanted moreWhat are you waiting for?I'm not running from you (from you)

Saturday, January 12, 2008

This is one of those songs that just strikes a chord somewhere inside of you. Rob Thomas' Ever The Same is simply brilliant.Maybe it's the melody. The keyboard carries most of this song's lovely melody, but the rhythmic trap set and electric guitar chords keep time and add something to this track.Maybe it's the lyrics. The lyrics to this song are beautiful ... a classic love story. He's telling her he'll always be there for her ... he'll catch her every time she falls.Or maybe it's the way these amazing lyrics are presented. Rob Thomas does an outstanding job with this song ... he puts so much emotion into it. Really adds a beautiful element to an already gorgeous song.So, whatever the reason, this song really gets to me. Mabye it does you, too?I watched the music video for the first time today, and I must say I was rather impressed. I love the "sketch"-y special effects (reminded me vaguely of Incubus' Drive music video), and the doves. Just a very nice video, I believe.Anyway. I'm not entirely sure what I love so much about this song, exactly ... just everything together, I suppose. I hope you enjoy it, too.Here's Ever The Same, by Rob Thomas.

Rob Thomas - Ever The Same Music Video

Ever The SameRob Thomas

We were drawn from the weedsWe were brave like soldiersFalling down under the pale moonlightYou were holding meLike someone brokenAnd I couldn't tell you, but I'm telling you now

Just let me hold you while you're falling apartJust let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on meTell me everything you want me to beForever with you, forever in meEver the same

We would stand in the windWe were free like waterFlowing downUnder the warmth of the sunNow it's cold and we're scaredAnd we've both been shakenLook at us, manThis doesn't need to be the end

Just let me hold you while you're falling apartJust let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on meTell me everything you want me to beForever with youForever in meEver the same

Call on meI'll be there for you and you'll be there for meForever it's youForever in meEver the same

You may need me thereTo carry all your weightBut you're no burden, I assureYou tide me overWith a warmth I'll not forgetBut I can onlyGive you love

Fall on meTell me everything you want me to beForever with youForever in meEver the same

Call on meI'll be there for you and you'll be there for meForever it's youForever in meEver the sameForever with youForever in meEver the same

Monday, January 7, 2008

Our first request on music.is.life!For the longest time, I thought about creating an email account for the sole purpose of receiving requests from our readers about what songs to post about on music.is.life ... but then I thought, wait. This is supposed to be about Reno and my favorite music ... it's not exactly a critic site so much as our own expression of our favorite songs. Read the subtitle; "a collection of our favorite songs, artists & albums". But I suppose "our" is a rather vague, nondescript term ...Anyway.In the future, I might consider starting an email account where people can request songs, but for now ... this site will stay request-free.With this one exception.

We got this request via comment on one of our other posts, and turns out, I actually like this song; Holiday by Green Day.This is one of the rare occasions where I like a song purely for the melody. Sure, some of the lyrics in this song are pretty deep (I like hear the sound of the falling rain / coming down like an Armageddon flame and i beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies an awful lot) but as a whole, I don't think this song is stellar as far as a deep, meaningful message.However, the melody is extremely addictive, and I think it's got some pretty good guitar solos as well.For me, this is a song for a certain mood ... when I really feel like punching someone out, you'll find this one blaring on my iPod. It's not one I'll turn on just for the sake of it ... I need to feel it.Anyway. This post was a little different than most. I don't really have much to say about this song except, well, I like it. I just kinda do.

Please note that while I can censor the lyrics to this song, I have no way of censoring the music video. Obviously. Part of me didn't want to post the video, but after talking about how I only liked the song for the melody ... just posting the lyrics seemed silly.However, I think I'll try and keep this site as clean as possible. So, find the video yourself if you really want to. Besides, I couldn't find one with any decent video quality on YouTube.

Hear the sound of the falling rainComing down like an Armageddon flame (Hey!)The shameThe ones who died without a name

Hear the dogs howling out of keyTo a hymn called "Faith and Misery" (Hey!)And bleed, the company lost the war today

I beg to dream and differ from the hollow liesThis is the dawning of the rest of our livesOn holiday

Hear the drum pounding out of timeAnother protester has crossed the line (Hey!)To find, the money's on the other side

Can I get another Amen? (Amen!)There's a flag wrapped around a score of men (Hey!)A gag, a plastic bag on a monument

I beg to dream and differ from the hollow liesThis is the dawning of the rest of our livesOn holiday

(Hey!)(Say, hey!)

(3,4)

"The representative from California has the floor"

Sieg Heil to the president GasmanBombs away is your punishmentPulverize the Eiffel towersWho criticize your governmentBang bang goes the broken glass andKill all the ***s that don't agreeTrials by fire, setting fireIs not a way that's meant for meJust cause, just cause, because we're outlaws yeah!

I beg to dream and differ from the hollow liesThis is the dawning of the rest of our livesI beg to dream and differ from the hollow liesThis is the dawning of the rest of our lives

Saturday, January 5, 2008

This masterpiece was nominated for Song of the Year for this year's Grammy awards, and with good reason ... the Plain White T's scored big time with this track, double featured in their albums All That We Need (2005) and Every Second Counts (2006). A Song of the Year nomination is based strictly on the songwriters, and it was frontman Tom Higgenson's lyrics that landed the Plain White T's a spot in the Grammy nominations. The painfully sweet lyrics to this song actually came to Tom after meeting & falling for Columbia University steeplechase runner Delilah DiCrescenzo (pictured).So, in the words of Tom Higgenson, "Delilah, here's to you"; you're the inspiration to what may be a Grammy-award-winning song. The Plain White T's just might "be making history" with a Song of the Year award, and "it's all because of you".And even if Hey There Delilah falls short of a Grammy title - it does have some tough competition, such as Carrie Underwood's Before He Cheats and Rhianna's Umbrella, featuring Jay-Z -, it's already become a favorite to many Plain White T's fans who also enjoy a good, honest love song.Here's the music video and could-be award winning lyrics for the song Hey There Delilah, performed by the Plain White T's. Is this track worthy of Song of the Year? You decide for yourself. But either way, the story behind these lyrics should be enough to warm your heart.

Grammy Update, February 13th 2008: I hate to be the bearer of bad news; Hey There Delilah did not win Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards on February 10th. Instead, the award was given to Amy Winehouse's Rehab, which was written and performed by Amy herself.

Plain White T's - Hey There Delilah Music Video

Hey There DelilahPlain White T's

Hey there DelilahWhat's it like in New York City?I'm a thousand miles awayBut girl, tonight you look so prettyYes you doTimes Square can't shine as bright as youI swear it's true

Hey there DelilahDon't you worry about the distanceI'm right there if you get lonelyGive this song another listenClose your eyesListen to my voice, it's my disguiseI'm by your side

Oh it's what you do to meOh it's what you do to meOh it's what you do to meOh it's what you do to meWhat you do to me

Hey there DelilahI know times are getting hardBut just believe me, girlSomeday I'll pay the bills with this guitarWe'll have it goodWe'll have the life we knew we wouldMy word is good

Hey there DelilahI've got so much left to sayIf every simple song I wrote to youWould take your breath awayI'd write it allEven more in love with me you'd fallWe'd have it all

Oh it's what you do to meOh it's what you do to meOh it's what you do to meOh it's what you do to me

A thousand miles seems pretty farBut they've got planes and trains and carsI'd walk to you if I had no other wayOur friends would all make fun of usAnd we'll just laugh along because we knowThat none of them have felt this wayDelilah I can promise youThat by the time we get throughThe world will never ever be the sameAnd you're to blame

Hey there DelilahYou be good and don't you miss meTwo more years and you'll be done with school And I'll be making history like I doYou'll know it's all because of youWe can do whatever we want toHey there Delilah here's to youThis one's for you

Oh it's what you do to meOh it's what you do to meOh it's what you do to meOh it's what you do to meWhat you do to me

Friday, January 4, 2008

I know I've already made a post for MCR's song Welcome to the Black Parade, but I made that post before I fell in love with this group's other amazing songs. Later I posted about I Don't Love You after falling in love with the music video. Now that I've purchased almost the entire album off iTunes and become obsessed with almost every track, I feel like writing an album review for My Chemical Romance's latest album, The Black Parade ... otherwise, I may end up writing individual posts for each track, and this just seems much easier.

There really is not a weak track on this album. This group is extremely talented, and it's as if they don't enter the recording studio or set out to film a music video unless they feel strongly about the song and are willing to put in one hundred and ten percent in order to make it the best it can be. And, so far, this passion for their work has produced brilliant songs, albums and music videos time and time again. Not to sound biased or anything (they are my favorite band, after all) ... but I think these guys are simply amazing, and The Black Parade certainly doesn't disappoint. While I enjoy some tracks more than others for personal reasons, I think the album as a whole is simply spectacular.Another thing I find interesting about this album is that is has a ... "plot", almost. The entire album is basically the story of a man - often referred to as "the patient" - who is dying of a terminal illness. Some songs - such as Cancer and Dead! - are obviously referring to death, but the relevance of others - such as Teenagers and The Sharpest Lives - are less obvious, and you have to think a little harder about how they tie in to the patient's story. I find the fact that this album is all tied together very unique, very creative ... I've never heard of it being done before, and I like it.

My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade

1. The End. - lyrically, this song is absolutely stunning, as are most on the album; some of the vocabulary in these songs make you wonder how many hours these guys spent trying to make the words come out "just right". And boy, they nail it every time, and this song is no exception. A slower track, the vocals and the guitar riffs seem to blend together beautifully. A great start to the album.2. Dead! - This song is not as lyrically strong as some others, in my opinion, but it's got a strong beat and melody that is maybe more "pop" than the rest of the album ... but still remains darker in true MCR style. A good track overall, but not stellar, in my opinion.3. This Is How I Disappear - This song is powerful from the opening symbol crash and guitar solo until the last screaming lyrics fade away. Much harsher than the preceding tracks, the band showed the broad range of their talents in this one ... the guitar solos are amazing, as are the vocals; I love how the bridge goes from a spooky, haunted feel into the screaming in the last verses. And, once again, the lyrics are spectacular; not many groups think of using words such as séance in their lyrics. 4. The Sharpest Lives - the minute you hear the dark, staccato guitar at the beginning of this song, you know this track has a dark message. The vocals and the echo of the first verses hold to that eerie tone, and the rhythmic verses hold your attention. When the chorus explodes in electric guitars and symbol crashes, you receive the full effect of this song. Special effects with the vocals and amazing lyrics make this song truly unique. The track ends with the same staccato guitars, and while you know the track has ended, you almost feel as if something was left unsaid.5. Welcome to the Black Parade - when this song opens with a soft, melancholy keyboard solo, you anticipate a softer track ahead; a break from the dark sounds of the preceding songs. It picks up a bit with a marching band snare, and even when the first verse is repeated - this time, screamed into the microphone - it's not as harsh as the other tracks. It does eventually pick up in intensity, but it never achieves the same dark sound as some other tracks on the album. But, at the same time, the sound of this track suits the lyrics and the emotion behind them.6. I Don't Love You - the first ballad on the album, this song is truly heartbreaking. This isn't just another break-up song; as the verses and chorus progress, you feel each emotion - denial, regret, and finally, anger - as if you were going through this loss yourself. Each lyric and note is presented beautifully, with the kind of passion in which MCR is undeniably brilliant.7. House of Wolves - I don't think the lyrics of this song are the strong point. I actually think it's the rhythm of this song that makes this song so unique. A steady tom drum echoes throughout the song, and the electric guitars scream an almost swing-style beat; this song is almost jazzy. The absolutely phenomenal guitar solos in this song set it apart. Not my favorite on the album, but definitely not one to be overlooked.8. Cancer - the keyboard at the beginning delivers the heart wrenching mood of this song from the first note. As the song goes on, the drum beats pick up, but the song never loses its overwhelmingly sad feel. A bitter sweet, beautiful song, especially if you can relate to the lyrics. As always, the band presents this song with a passion that cannot be ignored.9. Mama - again, a darker track. The staccato intro gives you an immediate feel for the mood of this song, and the lyrics are presented in similar style. I don't think the style in which they sang this song suits the band as much as some of their other tracks, but at the same time, you can't deny that they pulled it off pretty well. Definitely not my favorite, but you got to give the band credit for branching out in the style of their songs.10. Sleep - when this song opens in a scratchy tape recording, you know this is a unique track as well. The keyboard joins in shortly after the recording begins, again locking in a mood for the song. Before the first verse, the song picks up as the drums and guitars join in. Once again, this song is extremely strong lyrically. I think the vocals are presented extremely well on this track as well, and the tape recording is a beautiful touch that ties the song together.11. Teenagers - a very different sound for this band; the melody is definitely one that can get stuck in your head for days. Throughout the verses, a strong base drum keeps time while the rest of the instruments quiet down; the chorus gives the electric guitars a chance to shine, while the vocals are well-presented throughout. A debatable song as far as the lyrics, many people may be turned off by the cursing. But after you understand the message behind the lyrics, you can truly appreciate what this group is trying to tell the world.12. Disenchanted - an acoustic introduction! A real change from the other tracks on The Black Parade. When the bass and electric join in in the second verse, you get a better feel for the emotion behind the song. More background vocals are featured on this track, which is also a change. This song is full of passion as well; a slower track, but still very powerful, with a shot of reminiscence.13. Famous Last Words - again, a different sound for MCR. This song is definitely similar in styling to the hard rock heroes of the eighties; one listen to the guitar solos and you'll see what I mean. This song once again opening with a staccato guitar, which by this point in the album listeners may begin to associate with their darker tracks. The powerful lyrics of this track along with the classic rock & roll sound make it a standout.14. Blood (Hidden Track) - it's a hidden track; of course it's not going to be stellar. Personally, I think recording this track was more for the band's enjoyment rather than trying to make another hit single. Listening to this song reminds you of demon clowns or murder in a chocolate shop ... like it should be on the soundtrack for a musical about an axe murderer. It's got that innocent rhythm with a sinister edge. Quite amusing to listen to, actually; good for a laugh, if nothing else.

Interested in hearing more MCR? I encourage you to find out more about them; they really are an amazing band.

The lyrics for all the songs on all of My Chemical Romance's albums and more can be found on this website.

The songs on MCR's album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004) are amazing as well. Two I'd recommend looking into are Helena and The Ghost of You.

I'll also post the music video for Famous Last Words so you can listen to one of their darker, harsher tracks. Even if you don't like this song, I'd encourage you to look at My Chemical Romance's other tracks; they are unique in that they are not afraid to try out different styles, and they are talented enough to pull of each one quite nicely. So, please, take a listen, and tell me what you think.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Reno introduced me to this song, and I really love it.I believe the message in the lyrics of this song is fairly straight and to-the-point, although I think the lyrics could mean a slightly different thing to everyone who listens to the song. And although the lyrics may be rather repetitive, the band presents this song in a way that keeps the sound from getting old.I also really enjoy the music video - a lot of emotion in this video, and it really ties in with the song lyrics quite nicely. I think the different scenarios in this video are also an example of how these lyrics could mean something unique to different people.Here is the music video and lyrics to Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast) by Lostprophets.

Lostprophets - Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast) Music Video

Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast)Lostprophets

When our time is upWhen our lives are doneWill we say we've had our fun?

Will we make a mark this time?Will we always say we tried?

Standing on the rooftopsEverybody scream your heart outStanding on the rooftopsEverybody scream your heart outStanding on the rooftopsEverybody scream your heart outThis is all we got nowEverybody scream your heart out

All the love I've metI have no regretsIf it all ends now, I'm set

Will we make a mark this time?Will we always say we tried?

Standing on the rooftopsEverybody scream your heart outStanding on the rooftopsEverybody scream your heart outStanding on the rooftopsEverybody scream your heart outThis is all we got nowEverybody scream your heart out

[x2]Standing on the rooftops(Wait until the bombs drop)This is all we got now(Scream until your heart stops)Never gonna regret(Watching every sunset)We'll listen to your heartbeat(All the love that we found)

Future Reviews:

- Keep checking back for updates in the new "Then & Now" series; a look back in the archives of this blog, talking about cowgirl4christ's opinions on several artists then ... and now.

- Mott The Hoople's song, All The Young Dudes

About The Blog

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.~ Victor Hugo

This blog is a collection of cowgirl4christ, Reno, and Amy's favorite music. The posts on this blog will vary greatly in content, from song lyrics to album reviews. All of us have different tastes when it comes to our music, and the songs and artists mentioned here will be a little bit country, and a little bit rock & roll. However, there is one thing we all agree on; life wouldn't be the same without our music. For, as our blog title explains, music.is.life

A Note

To see all posts featuring the above mentioned artist, enter the artist's name in the field at the top left hand corner of your screen and then click "Search Blog".Keep in mind that the search engine is ridiculously vague. Putting your search in quotes may help narrow down the results.